Category: Fruits of the Grapes & Grains

Does it sound odd that a gin would come from Cognac-country (France)? G’Vine Gin, according to the producer, is the first grape-based gin known in modern times. Two styles to choose from, both from the Ugni Blanc grape which springs…

Easter brunch, lunch or dinner in my memory-bank is leg of lamb, ham, cold salmon and egg dishes. Fresh veggies and yeast breads. Light and spring-like, is the way I think of celebrating this holiday so dear to so many,…

I have a special affection for wine glasses. Streamlined, elegant, thin, an unrolled edge, a stem that feels natural –– and crystal –– the unmistakable ring of crystal that zings in the sweetest way. Perfection in your hand. Attribute it…

The historic George Washington Distillery at Mt. Vernon is offering unaged Rye and aged (two years) straight whiskey for sale. The tour of the Distillery and Gristmill is sold out for the one-day event on March 19, 2016, but the…

When I opened the March 2016 Southern Living magazine (an annual gift from one of my three lovely sister-in-laws) the do-it-yourself arrangement below popped up. Roses, ivy, radishes, Brussels sprouts and –– carrots, of course. I’m not much of a…

A French Beaujolais Village or California or Oregon Pinot Noir are the go t0 red wines for Thanksgiving. My family will enjoy Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel 2013 at our house this year along with whites here, here, and here. The…

In 2013 I reviewed this wine from the 2010 vintage, and will repost some of the general details of the estate here. The Thanisch family split winery holdings a few years ago. This Riesling is from Dr. H. Thanisch, the…

A study on red wine and hearing loss came out a couple of years ago. I have searched to see if any part of the report has been retracted, challenged or changed, and found nothing. The Department of Otolarynology-Head &…

I wearied of hearing that eggs were bad for me before the recent findings that eggs are just fine, in moderation. I wearied of the studies on coffee, although the consensus confirms that coffee is quite good for us for…